Historic Moore Homestead - Skagway, Alaska

Rushikesh Dabhekar

The Moore Homestead, located within the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park in Skagway, offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the Alaskan frontier during the late 19th century. The site was the home of Captain William Moore, one of Skagway’s earliest settlers, who played a key role in the development of the town before the Klondike Gold Rush transformed it into a bustling gateway for prospectors.

Visiting the Moore Homestead feels like stepping back in time. The historic buildings, which include the Moore cabin and a larger family house built later, have been well-preserved and restored, allowing visitors to appreciate the simplicity and practicality of frontier living. Informative plaques and displays provide insights into the Moore family's life, the hardships they faced, and their contributions to the region’s early development. The homestead is set against the stunning backdrop of Skagway’s rugged mountains, adding to the sense of history and adventure that permeates the site.

The National Park Service does an excellent job of maintaining the homestead, and the rangers are knowledgeable and enthusiastic, offering guided tours that enhance the experience. These tours provide rich details about the Moore family's interactions with the Tlingit people, the impact of the Gold Rush on Skagway, and how the town evolved during this dynamic period.

For history buffs or those simply interested in learning more about the Klondike Gold Rush, the Moore Homestead is a must-see. It’s a quieter, more reflective spot compared to Skagway’s busier tourist attractions, allowing visitors to connect with the area’s past in a meaningful way. The combination of rich history, beautiful surroundings, and well-preserved structures makes the Moore Homestead a highlight of any trip to Skagway.

S D

Very authentic museum setting of an original founder and settler of the area. Staff was friendly, truly local, and very informative.

Piggy Eatalot

Free entry (optional donation)

Interesting to look at the lives of a family in the Gold Rush era. What decorations they have in their homes, their stories and their struggles

Michael Morel

Pretty neat and important history of the town of Skagway. It is free and I went when the buildings are closed. If you are on a cruise and have time, then check it out.

Jamie Riddell

Visiting the museum gave us a first hand view of what it would have been like to live in these times. The house includes many of the original artefacts from the home and family plus more information about the cultural history of the area and the family.

Entrance is free and a NPS officer will be there to answer any questions you may have.

Despite the number of tourists in town with the cruise ships, there weren't many visitors to the house but it is worth your time to learn more about the first house in Skagway.

Tom Johnson

Visiting the decorated rooms of this historic house is cool, but also, the ranger presented a short program detailing lesser known women of the Klondike era. Women like Betsy Couture and Harriet Pullen. One was a journalist who traveled to the Klondike to do newspaper reporting. Another followed miners to work as a business entrepreneur, running a hotel. I enjoyed this ranger's presentation and her courage to present it to incoming tourists. It did seem to be a passion project. I wish there were more ranger passion projects.

KT M

We happened to pass by this restored house and it was quite interesting to look around and see how this family struggled during the gold rush. If you have spare time in Skagway it's worth calling in... but only if you have spare time.

Charlie Mac

Worth the time to stop and read every piece of history. Instead of being broad and general about the area, it focuses on one family in particular and gives a laser focus on the daily life of a settler and the complications that entails.